Netmarble confirmed Friday that The King of Fighters AFK, its upcoming idle role-playing game based on SNK’s iconic fighting franchise, will launch worldwide on Sept. 4. The game, which adapts characters and systems from The King of Fighters series, has surpassed 1.5 million pre-registrations ahead of release. Players who sign up early through the official website, Google Play or Apple’s App Store will receive rewards including up to 3,000 Summon Tickets and the fighter Vice, along with a guaranteed Legendary-grade character from a pool of eight.

Netmarble Announces September 4 Global Launch

Early Access for the title began in May in Canada, Indonesia and the Philippines, where it drew favorable feedback for its retro-inspired pixel visuals and streamlined gameplay. Netmarble said the design aims to appeal to both long-time fans and newcomers to the series.

The King of Fighters AFK features a roster of classic fighters reimagined in a style reminiscent of SNK’s The King of Fighters R-2 on the Neo Geo Pocket Color. Players can assemble squads for 5v5 battles and experiment with different team formations to optimize strategy. The franchise has been a cornerstone of fighting games since its debut in 1994, spawning more than 15 mainline entries and cultivating a dedicated global fan base. The new title continues SNK’s push to expand the series into different genres and platforms while retaining its core identity.